Philosophy metaphysics Essay

In order to clearly answer the first question, it is important first to answer the question – â€Å"what is the soul for Aristotle† and as such give an account of how he views substance and separability. Aristotle posits in de Anima that the soul is the substance in the sense which corresponds to the definitive formula of a thing’s essence. That means that it is â€Å"’the essential whatness’’ of a body of the character just assigned. (Book II, 412b). As such, the soul is the essence of being and the essence of being is its substance. By being, Aristotle refers to the thing itself while by essence he refers to the primary essence of the thing itself wherein one is treated as the subject in its own right i. e. the good itself is treated as the essence of the good. It can be deduced then, using hypothetical syllogism that if soul is the essence of a being and the essence of being is its substance, then the soul is the substance of a being. He argued further that whatever is has a being, whatever has a being has a substance – this as the grounding of his epistemology. Hence, whatever is has a substance. This implies then that being is identical to substance. If such is the case, then using the principle of excluded middle, being is also identical to soul. Now, let us elucidate the concept of separability. Aristotle first distinguished the difference between the body and the soul. The body as he stated corresponds to what exists in potentiality, it being the subject or matter of a possible actuality. Soul, on the other hand, is a substance (actuality) in the sense of the form of a natural body having life potentially within it; it is the actuality of the body. Aristotle, Book II, 421b) As he delineates the dissimilarity between the body and soul, one should not be mislead in regarding the two as separate entities. They are at some point seems to be separate for in the former we are talking about a corporeal body in its spatio-temporal existence while in the latter we are talking of an incorporeal body transcending in the spatio-temporal world. However, their separability in terms of space and time does not mean they are separate as whole – that is an entity having life. As Aristotle argues â€Å"the soul is inseparable from its body, or at any rate that certain parts of it are (if it has parts) for the actuality of some of them is nothing but the actualities of their bodily parts†. (Aristotle, Book II, 413a). He argues further that â€Å"body cannot be the actuality of the soul; it is the soul which is the actuality of a certain kind of body. Hence the soul cannot be without a body, while it cannot be a body; it is not a body but something relative to a body. That is why it is in a body and a body of a definite kind†. (Book I, 421a). It can be deduced then that soul and the body are inseparable with each other. It is because the essence of both their existence lies in the interdependency of their telos – the soul actualizing the potential life in the body while the body providing an entity for the soul to actualize itself in the material world. Since the soul is the actuality of natural body, then naturally it would have certain functions which it can actualize. Aristotle has identified these functions to be the following: (1. ) powers of self-nutrition or the nutritive function; (2. powers of sensation which includes the sensory and appetitive function; (3. ) the power of movement and rest or the locomotive function and (4. ) the power of thinking. With these functions, he posited a psychic power of hierarchy. He claimed that of the psychic powers mentioned above, some kinds of beings posses all of these, some possess less than all while others posses only one. As such, evidently, the plants possess the p ower of self-nutrition wherein they can grow up or down and increase or decrease in all direction as long they can find nutrients in the soil. It is through their own means that they continue tolive. Even though the plants possess only one function of the soul, it is a great wonder how they continuously subsist on their own. Next is the power of sensation, which is possessed by all animals. All animals possessed the power of sensation because they all have the primary form of sense, which is touch. Aristotle defended and further elaborated this notion in de Anima. To wit: if any order of living things has the sensory, it must also have the appetitive; for appetite is the genus of which desire, passion, and wish are the species; now all animals have one sense at least, viz. ouch, and whatever has a sense has the capacity for pleasure and pain and therefore has pleasant and painful objects present to it, and wherever these are present, there is desire, for desire is just appetition of what is pleasant. (BookII, 414b) From the arguments stated above, it can be evidently inferred not just how Aristotle proven that all animals possess at least one sense, the touch, but also how he sci entifically deduced that all animals by virtue of their sensory function, possess appetitive function, too. From all these animals, there are some which possessed the power of locomotion, advancing them to a higher stratum. These are animals which can execute any kind of movements together with the capacity to halt such movement. Lastly, the human beings possessed all of the above-mentioned functions placing them on the top of the hierarchy. They posses the power of thinking, which is the essential feature of the human beings and which separates them apart from all other species. Analyzing the theoretical framework Aristotle succumbed to, it can be construed then that for him every being has a soul. This is evidently manifested in his attempt to prove the groundings of his epistemology extending his claim to the psychic hierarchy wherein he posited that every kind of living thing – any entity for that matter possesses certain function/s of the soul It should be put in mind, however, that even Aristotle posited the different functions of the soul; they are in essence, inseparable. An example of this is the function of nutrition (by eating) which human beings in particular do in order to properly and clearly think. The latter being also a function of the soul. Evidently, every function of the soul is interconnected with each other especially in the case of the Homo sapiens, who possessed all the enumerated functions of the soul. Aristotle notions of intellect can be rooted in his conception of knowledge – in his epistemology. It is from his conception of knowledge arises his other assertions on how he views the world. It is common sensical then to claim that his conception of the mind or any other things transcending from their spatio-temporal existence, his metaphysics, is grounded on his epistemology. As such, it is with utmost importance to first answer how Aristotle regards the nature of knowledge and how does one able to acquire knowledge so as to provide an answer on his notion of intellect. Knowledge for him can only be found within the material world – that is things, which are intelligible by senses. It is then through our experience with this objects in their spatio-temporal existence that we come to know them. He mentioned the processes of how we can arrive to know these objects – by perception, discrimination and thinking. By perception here, I mean the process of how our senses operate to recognize things in the material word. Discrimination then comes simultaneous with perception in order to give a concrete description of the thing being perceived. In example, upon the perception of a certain plant, we can able to distinguish its structure and other ontical features as the mind started to categorized. As a corollary, we arrived at the conclusion that what we perceived is indeed a plant. From there, we judged that what we perceived is indeed a plant and hence, arriving in the state of thinking. It can be deduced then that through thinking, one can able to comprehend the ontical features of an object and by virtue one’s reason, its primary essence. By primary essence, I mean the telos or the end itself of a thing. Since reason for Aristotle is innate in human beings so is intellect. It is because for Aristotle, reason is an essential property of the mind – that is of the intellect. If that is the case, then reason for Aristotle is relatively tantamount to the intellect. Husserl, on the other hand regarded the process of intuition as the first level of cognition wherein the objects are grasp in its original thru experience. This is also the case when one is cognizing objects of mere representations which includes but not limited to pictorial intuitions and any means of symbolic indications. To wit, experiencing is consciousness that intuits something and values it to be actual; experiencing is intrinsically characterized as consciousness of the natural object in question and of it as the original: there is consciousness of the original as being there â€Å"in person. The same thing can be expressed by saying that objects would be nothing at all for the cognizing subject if they did not â€Å"appear† to him, if he had of them no â€Å"phenomenon. † Here, therefore, â€Å"phenomenon† signifies a certain content that intrinsically inhabits the intuitive consciousness in question and is the substrate for its actuality valuation. (Husserl, p. 3) It is only but logical to infer that experience plays a vital role in the cognition of a certain object. As such, it is only upon experience, can one theorized and moved to a higher level of cognition. A thing must first be intuited before one can theorize about them. And after theorizing, comes the process of reflection. Evidently, both Aristotle and Husserl believed in the value of experience in which the former calls perception and the latter intuition. From these processes arises higher forms of cognition wherein the end result for Aristotle is thinking through the use of reason while for Husserl, it is pure reflection as a result of phenomenology. It is then with utmost importance to first clarify, what does Husserl meant by intellect and Ego. As such, in what process does a person uses his intellect. Furthermore, what is the difference of reflection from pure reflection and of the empirical Ego to the transcendental Ego? Also, one should answer the question â€Å"what is phenomenology? † and â€Å"why it is only through this process one can arrive at pure reflection? † For Husserl, intellect is identical with consciousness as Ego is identical to Self. As such, when one speaks of intellect, one is referring to consciousness and vice-versa. Such is also the case with the Ego and the Self. Reflection is the process wherein one is looking not towards the act of reflection itself but rather in the direction of the objects one is conscious of. As such, one is absorbed in reflecting how these objects exist rather than asking how they come into being or essentially, enquiring on their primordial existence. If the consciousness is moving towards this kind of reflection, then the Ego is only in his/her ontical (empirical) status. Pure reflection, on the other hand, is the process wherein the consciousness is reflecting his consciousness – that is the act of reflection per se. This is the case wherein the Ego transcends from his ontical stage by describing the events i. e. relating, referring, combining, et al in his consciousness. And this can only be done thru the process of phenomenology. What is phenomenology then? Phenomenology is defined as the science of consciousness. (Husserl, p. 5) It is the process of describing the things and events themselves in their primordial sense through the use of phenomenological reduction. Phenomenological reduction then is the process wherein one suspends his/her preconceived notion of things in order to objectively describe the objects and events as what it appears to them. It only thru this process that we can arrive at pure reflection because this is the only method wherein objects and events are describe as themselves without concurring to any established principle or assumption. Evidently, Aristotle’s notion of intellect and Husserl’s notion of Ego posited the strength of mind in general – transcending from space and time. If that is the case, then the conception of a person is not only confined within the physical realm – that is he can do things beyond the limit of his physical existence in his journey to unravel the primordial existence of objects and any discipline for that matter. However, what sets them apart from each other is their notion on how one can really grasp the ontological state of an object or in the words of Kant –their intentionality. Aristotle believed that one can only know the ontological state of a thing by referring to its primary essence, its telos as the context clue in able to grasp the object’s primary essence. For Husserl, on the other hand, it is only through the use of phenomenological method can one comprehend the ontological state of objects. In Being and Time, Heidegger attempted to know the meaning of a Being – that is the Dasein, by starting to ask and redefine the fundamental question of â€Å"What is a Being? † He further continued this method by asking the ontological question of Being – that only a being can know his Being because he is consciousness to his Being by his being. His starting point is the fact that a being is a Being-in-the-World. He is a being situated in this world. As such, it is only him who can know his being by virtue of his ontic-ontological character. If that is the case, then it is only him who can determine his possibilities by virtue of being a spatio-temporal entity. Since no other entities can determine his possibilities as a being conscious of his existence, then the Dasein solely can ascertain his existentiall. It can be deduced then that the task of Dasein is to transcend to his existentiell in order to arrive at his ontological status. He can only do this by maximizing his possibilities to know himself thru the things which are ready-at-hand – things which can help him to reveal his being to him. It should be kept in mind that this process of knowing the Dasein does not go in hermeneutic circles rather on a back and forth condition Dasein as a spatio-temporal entity is facing a hard time to know his being because there is a tendency that he might be too absorb in his world or fall. Yet what Heidegger wants to emphasize is that he as a Dasein should not conceive his being as a spatio-temporal entity an encumbrance to his Being. It is because it is only through this world he can have his possibilities. This separates him from other entities and makes him a Dasein. Evidently, Heidegger’s notion of Dasein greatly gives importance to the relationship of the Being and the world which is also apparent in Aristotle notion of intellect and Husserl’s notion of Ego. However, what separates the former from the latter is that it focused on providing an answer on how one can transcend to his facticity in order to ontologically know his Being. The latter, on the other hand, focuses in discovering the essence and the ontological existence of the objects in the material world. Transcendental phenomenology is defined in general as the study of essence. It designates two things: a new kind of descriptive method which made a breakthrough in philosophy at the turn of the century, and an a priori science derived from it; a science which is intended to supply the basic instrument for a rigorously scientific philosophy and, in its consequent application, to make possible a methodical reform of all the sciences. (Husserl, p. 15) Essentially, transcendental phenomenology then is a description of phenomena. Husserl, then, laid down the method to achieve the objective of reforming all the sciences. The first step is the use of phenomenological epoche or reduction or bracketing wherein one suspends or take away all his/her biases and prejudices in order to â€Å"objectively describe† a phenomena. By doing this, we can arrive at a universal description of a phenomena. This will be followed by the compare and contrast method which one will have to undertake in order to arrive at the pure data of things. It appears then that by suspending one’s judgment and undergoing the intersubjectivity test, we can arrive at the â€Å"pure data of things†. In relation to this, Husserl claims that this method should be followed by all sciences in order to answer their primordial condition. It is held that sciences cannot escape their dogmas because it fails to question how they come to be. What they are just doing is a mere adaptation of established principles proven in the past to be true. Since these established principles were proven in the past to be true, scientists or people who work in the sciences do not make any attempt to further verify the truthfulness of their established principles – that is how and why is it the case that such principles were held to be true. For indisputably, things cannot just come into being without any rationalization, scientific explanation for that matter. Sciences have constructed ready-made answers to all things – their nature, existence, feature, et al; grounded on the preconceived notion that sciences have already provided sufficient answers to the primitiveness of these objects. While sciences are busy in explaining these things [the ready-made answers], they failed to realized that they were not able to arrived at the Isness of these objects, on how they come into being. However, since the sciences had already deceived the people, that in the past, it already provided sufficient answers to the primordial existence of things, it appears then they are seemingly contented and satisfied by what the sciences have achieved. This is what phenomenology wants to deconstruct – it wanted to create a paradigm shift by destroying the â€Å"tradition† institutionalized by science and overcoming relativism and subjectivism by the use of phenomenological reduction. From these, one can arrive at the pure data of consciousness. It is in this sense, that phenomenology becomes transcendental. Phenomenology is different from descriptive psychology because it draws upon pure reflection exclusively, and pure reflection excludes, as such, every type of external experience and therefore precludes any co positing of objects alien to consciousness. (Husserl, p. 7) Descriptive psychology then does not depend upon pure reflection exclusively; it needs psychological experiencing which would result to the reflection of the external experience. As such, consciousness itself becomes something transcendent, becomes an event in that spatial world which appears, by virtue of consciousness, to be transcendent. (Husserl, p. 7) It can be inferred then that phenomenology focuses solely on the consciousness per se of a being making it the science of consciousness while descriptive psychology focuses on the consciousness of a being in his psychic experiences. Transcendental idealism states that â€Å"everything intuited in space and time, and therefore all objects of any experience possible to us, are nothing but appearances, that is, mere representations which, in the manner in which they are represented, as extended beings or as series of alterations, have no independent existence outside our thoughts. † (Kant, p. 1) As such, it posits that one cannot have the knowledge of the realm beyond the empirical – that is one cannot experience objects outside space and time. It is because the mind as Kant argues having certain constraints [in reference to space and time] – can only grasp the noesis of the object but not its noumena – the object’s intentionality. It can be inferred then that transcendental idealism’s fundamental assertions lies on two grounds: first, objects by themselves exudes intentionality; and secondly, we can never know their intentionality [or noumena] because our mind can only grasp the noesis or what is appearing to us. Phenomenology believes on Kant’s first claim that indeed objects have their own intentionality but vies the second assertion. As such, its emergence as a domain of study in philosophy is grounded on its thrust to prove that indeed the mind can know the noumena of objects. Phenomenology believes that this can be done using eidetic reductionism proving to all that the mind can transcend beyond the physical realm – beyond space and time. Essentially, all the philosophies which were tackled in this paper seek to explain and interpret the world – including the objects within it and the beings living in it; from the primordial existence of things up to the authentication of one’s Being.

Brazil vs. Costa Rica Essay

With the growing global concern for the environment, new products, industries, and sustainable practices have emerged across a number of industries. The industry of tourism on an international and domestic scale is no different. Over the past few decades, the global tourism industry has witnessed an immense increase in travel based on environmentally sound practices, devised to be sustainable . Travellers are becoming increasingly interested in natural environments, cultures, and adventures. For this new market segment activities such as wilderness viewing, wildlife observation and hiking/trekking opportunities have become more popular to a wider base of customers within the tourism and travel industry . This new form of tourism, also known as ecotourism, has also become an integral part of a number of country’s environmental and economic practices . According to Rual Goueva in his article Managing the Ecotourism Industry in Latin America:Challenges and Opportunities, ecotourism is a specific kind of tourism that â€Å"fosters, promotes, and acts as a catalyst for environmental protection †. It is in his view that ecotourism strategies must pay a great deal of attention to the following: (1) economic development, (2) environmental protection, (3) cultural protection, (4) social development and, (5) political development. As a more sustainable form of tourism, ecotourism offers an alternative and highly effective means for developing and developed economies to blend their economies into the global economy and often â€Å"provides incentives to establish sustainable development strategies †. In summary, ecotourism should concentrate on efforts to maximize the benefits of tourism while minimizing the environmental, economic, political, social, and cultural impacts of tourism. Additionally, policies have to be devised to optimize the allocation of resources from ecoturism revenues to preserve and sustain the resource base. It is, however, important to note the lack of a homogeneous definition of eco-tourism activities within the tourism industry and thus difficult to assess its impacts. Under their functional definition, the World Tourism Organization/OMT concluded in 1998 that ecotourism represents about 2 to 4 percent of total global tourism. However, this percentage is estimated to be much larger as the industry has grown almost exponentially in the past few years and the share of ecotourism broadly defined as tourists that travel to observe and enjoy nature has been expanding steadily during the last decade. Another source with a similar functional definition, the International Ecotourism Society (TIES), estimated that ecotourism is expanding by 20% annually, compared with 7% expansion for the tourism industry as a whole. The specific segment of ecotourism generated around USD 154 billion in revenues for the year 2000 . Continuing, TIES also estimates that between 40%-60% of travel around the world is nature-related and that between 20%-40% of tourists are specifically wildlife related tourists . Furthermore, it should be noted that this segment of tourism can have profound affects on a nation’s economy. It has been noted that ecotourism is primarily led by supply side economics rather than demand. In other words, the quality of the ecotourism experience is positively correlated to the level of environmental protection the local ecosystem enjoys. Ecotourism is therefore classified as a normal good or service. Additionally, it is critical that eco-ventures pay specific attention to the level of environmental disturbance and disruption that ecological and social systems can sustain . As it has been noted, any level of interaction and/or intervention with a local ecosystem may have environmental impacts, which must be minimized in order to preserve the nature being enjoyed via ecotourism . As the effects of tourism within natural and/or preserved areas can hinder or help a specific ecosystem, many policy makers around the world are paying much more attention to the regulation of natural areas. Several countries that are trying to find a compromise between economic development and environmental protection are becoming the leaders in Ecotourism. Countries that are rich in natural resources but that are not yet implementing sustainable development strategies are being encouraged to promote activities such as ecotourism . Ecotourism must be approached as a part of a number of initiatives to protect local ecosystems. At the macro level, a nation pursuing ecotourism should include as many federal, state, and local agencies as possible. It has also been noted that ecotourism must be a part of the country overall economic development and growth as well . This paper was intented to examine the economic, environmental and social aspects of two countries currently participating in the industry of ecotourism, Costa Rica and Brazil. However before an analysis can begin, it is necessary to review the formation of ecotourim in each country and examine how, when, and why ecotourism came about. Costa Rica is known as country with rich and robust biodiversity. However, in the past few decades, it has experienced an increase in amount of deforestation within the country . Like a number of developing countries, such as Brazil, Costa Rica has been steadily loosing its lush forests to agricultural uses. Between 1950 and 1990, it was estimated that the country lost about half of its total forest cover due to agricultural development . Furthermore, b the early to mid 1990s, only about 6 percent of the country’s land area (not including parks and nationally recognized protected areas) remained in intact primary forest . However, this rapid decline in forest covering has slowed in recent years with the growth of an internationally renowned national park system; which has preserved over 10 percent of the country’s total primary forests . As of today, Costa Rica has secured land throughout the country for over 25 national parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges for endangered species (as shown in Figure 1. 1, adopted from SOURCE). Along with the government’s formal protection of the land, ecotourism has been said to hinder the rate of deforestation as well. Ecotourism in Costa Rica began in the mid-1980s as a way to stop the deforestation and to generate needed foreign exchange for the economy. Tourism in general in Costa Rica has been one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy. In 1992 tourism earnings totaled $421 million, making it the second largest foreign exchange earner after bananas. Moreover, ecotourism has been rapidly expanding as well accounting for 36 percent of net tourism earnings in 1989. In sum, according to Stacy Small, Production Editor of Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine, â€Å"Costa Rica’s tourism industry has been increasing in size for many years now, and one reason for this upsurge is the appeal of and demand for ecotourism† . Costa Rica has been promoting and expanding its ecotourism industry. The Environmental Secretariat and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute have become largely responsible for the development and coordination of ecotourism policies in the country . Due to a high level of governmental involvement and the formation of societal institutions such as The Environmental Secretariat, Costa Rica has become the primary example of country in Latin America with a successful ecotourism industry. Their rich ecosystem, accounting for an outstanding 5% of the world’s biodiversity, offers the country a natural competitive advantage in the industry . Additionally, ecotourism has become the main motivation for tourists within the country. In the early 1980s, an estimated 370,000 tourists traveled to the country of Costa Rica. By 2002, about 1. 1 million tourists arrived in Costa Rica, with the vast majority, 830,000 people, being ecotourists or individuals participating in nature related travel . The ectourism sector of Costa Rica has become quite diverse, from bird watching to volcano climbing and kayaking. To date, Costa Rica has approximately 25% of its territory under governmental protection, 1. million hectares, with 12% of its territory composed of national parks and privately owned reserves . It should also be noted that the private reserves of Costa Rica utilized for ecotourism are the areas that develop and generate the most income. Take for example the Monteverde Biological Preserve, the habitat of the exotic golden toad, has become famous worldwide and is internationally recognized as one of the best areas of ecotourism in Latin America. Over the last two decades, the Monteverde reserve has earned more income than all other national parks combined with its main source of financing coming from admission fees and grants . Rara Avis is another private reserve that has turned to ecotourism. Rara Avis was opened in 1983, and contains 3,000 acres of primary and secondary forest. It borders on the Braulio Cariilo National Park and the Zona Protetora La Selva, a research station. Private banks financed Rara Avis, and it was the first of its kind in the country. Rara Avis has shown that ecotourism can become a profitable way to manage tropical forest resources. However, in more recent years, Costa Rica has witnessed detrimental side effects of overcrowding in its forest reserves as a result of increased ecotourism. Take for instance the increasingly popular Manuel Antonio Park. Heavy interest in this area has led developers to overbuild, which has threatened the diverse monkey population and other wildlife in the park. On the other hand, ecotourism has been a successful strategy for Cost Rica. Due to its consistency in approach, Costa Rica has successfully promoted an environmentally sound ecotourism industry over the past few decades. Additionally, ecotourism has had an inclusive macroeconomic strategy that benefits local communities, generates jobs as well as revenues, and has inspired further research in the areas of ecology and biodiversity. As a whole, Costa Rica offers a panoramic and pristine view of exactly how ecotourism can benefit a soceity, local communities, and the environment. Beginning of ecotourism in Brazil Ecotourism was first introduced in Brazil, on the governamental level, in 1985, when the Brazilian Institute of Tourism (Embratur) started its Ecological Tourism project. The first intention to put things in order was made in 1987 by creating the National Technical Commission, consisting of experts from both the Brazilian Institute for the Enviroment and Renovable Natural Resources (Ibama) and Embratur. The main goal of the commission was to monitor the Ecological Tourism project, as a reaction on ecotourism observed at that time, which was little organized and not at all sustainable. Although, the efforts made by govermnent were not sufficient to end with barriers between theory and practice of ecotourism. The principal problem was the lack of a unified concept of a segment, i. e. no existing criteria, regulation and incentives that would direct firms and investors and the government itself to promote and use effectively the natural assets of a country, and to protect them at the same time. As a consequence, the ecotourism in Brazil used to be an activity without any mark of order and very confused, where the main objective was to generate a profit, totally ignoring its other aspects, like socioeconomic and environmental benefits for the country. The brazilian ecotourism in the late 80s and early 90s was more likely the regular tourism which used the ecologic aspect just to sell better. Environmental experts referred to it as an â€Å"eco-opportunismâ€Å". Creating legal framework for ecotourism In 1994, a workgroup of experts of all ministries involved (Ministry of Environment, Imdustry, Commerce and Tourism) met in Goias Velho, Goias, to create a document â€Å"Directives for National Ecotourism Policyâ€Å". With this document, they set a legal framework for ecotourism in Brazil, which was defined: Ecotourism is a segment of tourism activity which uses, in a sustainable way, natural and cultural assets, incentives their conservation and looks for a creation of an ervironmental consciousness throught the interpretation of an environment and promoting the welfare of communities involved at the same time. This definition and all the other directives were created with favourable to a profitable tourism connected to environmental and cultural peculiarities of Brazil. The effort was made to assure growth of this particular branch of tourism all over Brazil, with the following criteria what ecotourism should do: -Provide better life conditions for communities in the areas of ecotourism. -Promote valuation of the environment -Create wealth and promote employment To make an opportunity to learn about natural and cultural assets in order to promote knowledge of new generations. Another important decision was made at the meeting – the government should start to cooperate with various NGOs and, together, educate prospective employers in the sector of ecotourism. The opinions of NGOs were often accepted by government in the process of building adequate infrastructure to promote sustainable growth of ecotourism in Brazil. Setting the principles Last but not least, the main concerns regarding ecotourism in Brazil were defined and published as a list of actions recommended to promote the sector in the whole country. : 1. Regulation of ecotourism – The necessity of its own legal framework, harmonized with both state and federal laws. 2. Institutional Interaction – Intensification of exchanging information and experience between governamental institutions and private sector. 3. Human Resources Creation – Education and training of personnel to work in an area of ecotourism. 4. Quality control – Creation of tools for observation, evaluation and improvement of ecotourism including both public and private sector. 5. Distribution of information – Creation of a database with the access for all national and various international institutions involved, including indicators monitoring the evolution of ecotourism. 6. Incentives to develop ecotourism – Promotion and stimulation of economic activity in the sector together with infrastructure in order to provide high quality services, especially in priority ecotourism destinations. . Information for tourists – providing the tourists knowledge about the destination they visit to make them respect the local environment. 8. Participation of communities – Make people living in major ecotourism destinations participate in the sector and modify their lifestyle to increase sustainability of the area. With the help of mentioned governamental regulation and cooperation between state instituti ons and many NGOs, the ecotourism grew by 15 % a year until 2000, while the tourism as a whole only grew 3 % anually. There were created ecotourism destinations in all brazilian states and the rigorous control has contributed to a sustainability of the sector and to protection of natural assets of Brazil. Costa Rica – Present part The tourism boom in Costa Rica began in 1987 (Crist Inman, 1997) with the number of visitors up from 329,000 in 1988, through 1 million in 1999, to 1. 9 million foreign visitors in 2007, allowing the country to earn US $1. 9 billion in that year (World Tourism Barometer, 2008). By 2002, about 1. 1 million tourists arrived in Costa Rica, with about 830,000 of them being ecotourists (Saenz, 2001). Thus, tourism in Costa Rica has since 1999 been one of Costa Rica’s most important industries exemplified by the fact that it earns more foreign exchange than traditional commodities such as pineapples, banana and coffee combined (Departamento de Estadisticas ICT (2006) (need statistics on that ). In 2001, ecotourism accounted for an annual growth rate of 20-30 percent (Dasenbruck, 2001). Today, being the nation’s principal industry, ecotourism contributes an estimated US $825mn to the economy annually as well as a 19 % increase in the number of tourists visiting in 2005 (â€Å"Ecotourism can be good business! , 2006). Economic impact The Travel ; Tourism industry in Costa Rica encompasses transport, accommodation, catering, recreation and services for visitors. Below are presented some macroeconomic indicators in relation to the industry. GDP The Travel ;Tourism industry is expected to contribute directly 5. 3% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2008 (CRC778. 8 bn or US$1,466. 2 mn), rising in nominal terms to CRC2,005. 5 bn or US$2,639. 2 mn (5. 8% of total) by 2018. Additionally, according to WTTC the real growth of T;T in Costa Rica is forecasted to see a real rise of 1,2 % (US$ 3,769) in the economy GDP in 2008. Moreover, real GDP growth is expected to grow at an average of 4,7 % per annum over the coming 10 years. Employment The T;T economy contribution to employment is expected to rise from 258. 000 jobs in 2008, which represents 13,1 % of total employment, or 1 in every 7. 6 jobs to 359. 000 representing 14,4 % of total employment or 1 in every 6. 9 jobs by 2018 (WTTC, 2008). Visitor exports Export earnings from international and visitors are expected to generate 17,1 % of total exports (US $ 2,270,8 mn) in 2008 growing, in nominal terms, to 16,8 % (US$ 4,369,3 mn) of total exports in 2018 (WTTC, 2008). Investment Travel ; Tourism Capital Investment is estimated at CRC515. 0 bn, US$969. 5 mn or 15. 1 % of total investment in year 2008. By 2018, this should reach CRC1,225. 1 bn, US$1,612. 2 mn or 15. 6 % of total (WTTC, 2008). Foreign investment has had a major role to play in the development of the Costa Rican ecotourism industry. It was both politically and financially supported by the IMF, The World Bank and USAID. For instance, in 2001 the World Bank approved a US $40 mn loan of which most of it focused on ecotourism (Dasenbruck, 2001). Given that Costa Rica has a solid credit rating with international lenders along with international support from the abovementioned institutions gives the country a degree of financial stability in handling substantial costs in the development of the ecotourism industry. Government Government Travel ; Tourism operating expenditures in Costa Rica in 2008 are expected to total CRC122. 9 bn (US$231. 3 mn), or 6. 2% of total government spending. In 2018, this spending is forecast to total CRC396. 1 bn (US$521. 3 mn), or a 6. 4% share (WTTC, 2008). I’ll add more here about government institutions and initiatives, laws, regulations†¦. Ecotourism and the environment Behind ecotourism lies the idea of preserving a nation’s natural resources while profiting from them (Dasenbruck, 2001). Similarly to Brazil, ecotourism is overall considered to be beneficial to the environment compared to conventional forms of tourism e. g. mass tourism, exemplified by Cancun in Mexico with 4,000 room hotel resorts. One of the reasons that ecotourism in Costa Rica enjoys such high importance economically is because there exists a strong environmental lobby based in the â€Å"green industry† (Dasenbruck, 2001. This lobby recognizes the long-term benefits of aintaining an environmentally friendly image and therefore it supports most of the government’s conservation initiatives. Some, however, argue that ecotourism is an oxymoron, since travel at its base is detrimental to the environment. Airplane fossil fuels and the pollution coming from jet airplanes are used as examples of evidence, that international travel and environmental protection are mutually exclusive by nature (Dasenbruck, 2002). Ecotourism in Brazil Current Growth Brazilian ecotourism began to grow exponentially after the country woke up to its eco-potential during the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Still, ecotourism in Brazil continues to grow at a rapid pace. While the tourism industry overall grows at a rate of 3% annually, ecotourism is up by 15%. Other areas such as the city of Bonito are experiencing bigger growths of 20-30%. (Planeta) Furthermore, it is estimated that by the year 2010, ecotourism could make up as much as 50% of the travel industry according to Dorival Bruni, president of the non-profit Biosphere society. Considering that one of the largest ecotourism destinations in the world is the Amazon, this estimate is considerably probable. It is estimated by the World Tourism Organization that ecotourism may represent 2-4% of the world’s tourism. In 2000, ecotourism accounted for 10% of Brazilian tourism revenues (Bioesfera, 2001). The next three economic markers show Brazil’s travel and tourism industry’s contribution toward total GDP, employment, and exports. GDP The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) research findings reported that the Travel & Tourism industry is expected to contribute directly 2. 5% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2008 BRL 70. 6 or US$36. 1bn), rising in nominal terms to BRL157. bn or US$53. 2bn(2. 6% of total) by 2018 (WTTC). Employment Brazil’s Travel & Tourism Economy employment is estimated at 5,500,000 jobs in 2008, 5. 9% of total employment, or 1 in every 16. 9 jobs. By 2018, this should total 7,634,000 jobs, 6. 6% of total employment, or 1 in every 15. 2 jobs (WTTC). Exports Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to gener ate 5. 9% of total exports (BRL22. 5 bn or US$11. 5 bn) in 2008, growing (nominal terms) to BRL65. 4 bn or US$22. 1 bn (5. 4% of total) in 2018 (WTTC). Ecotourism and the environment One of the core benefits of ecotourism is the sustainability of the environment thus; ecotourism is an economically productive way to protect Brazil’s natural wonders. Consequently, Brazil’s continued growth of ecotourism is also generating a positive social impact. Local skilled and semi-skilled populations are benefiting the most from this current growth. According to Joao Mireilles Filho, president of the Peabiru Ecotourism Institute and of the Brazilian Ecotourism Institute (IEB), one of the most visited regions in Brazil for ecotourism is the Pantanal region, which is a vast series of wetlands in the upper Paraguay River Basin. The capital of this region, a town called Bonito is the main launching spot for ecotourists. Socially, Bonito accounts for about 2,000 jobs in the sector out of a population of less than 20,000 people. (Planeta) Investments As ecotourism continues to grow, it will provide investment opportunities for private and foreign investors who see the value in this industry. One region of such potential is The Ribeira de Iguape River, one of the most important rivers in the Brazilian southeastern state of Sao Paulo. The Ribeira de Iguape Valley is known for its complex geology and natural riches with a number of limestone caves and important mineral resources. Currently it is still characterized by poverty and underdevelopment however; ecotourism in the region has now a US$ 15 million financing – US$ 9 million from the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank) and US$ 6 million from the government of Sao Paulo for improvement in infra-structure, training and organization. The Monetary International Fund (MIF) provided a $1. 7 million grant to improve the quality and competitiveness of small to medium sized enterprises in the tourist sector. By the year 2010, more than 5,000 firms are in the tourist sector are expected to pursue certification. It is estimated that ecotourism will receive a considerable amount of this grant. (IDB) In February 2006, the IDB approved a loan of $9 million toward improvements in infrastructure, including highways and productive systems in the Atlantic Forest region of the state of Sao Paolo. This project will benefit six parks which will benefit by retaining their visitors and acquiring financial sustainability while protecting their natural wonders. Opportunities One of the biggest areas of opportunity for Brazil is the Amazon region. This region is home to some 20 million people and is known for the biological diversity of its ecosystem and the great diversity of flora and fauna. It has the potential to become one of the largest ecotourism attractions in the world. As a matter of fact, it is 98 times larger than Costa Rica. Unfortunately in 2000 it only earned US400 million in exports which is less than half of Costa Rica’s total revenues during that time. This equates to a meager . 05% of the world’s ecotourism revenues in 2000. One of the biggest challenges facing this region is the lack of infrastructure such as energy power, communication, and transportation. The government taken some steps to ameliorate the situation by launching PROECOTUR (The Program of Development of Eco-Tourism in the Amazon) with the help of the IDB to develop and improve the infrastructure of selected areas in the region. It includes surveying best practices for ecotourism, financing ecotourism projects, developing tourist infrastructure, and assisting investors with technological and financial aid (SCA). Since deforestation has already affected large areas of the Amazon, Proecotur should bring more visitors to the region as well as sustainable revenue. Another project launched was the Poles project by the tourist and travel agency Embrateur in conjunction with the Ecotourism institute in an effort to establish guidelines for the development of ecotourism poles around the country. Brazil vs. Costa Rica Ecotourism in Brazil is still underdeveloped especially in the Amazon region which has tremendous upward potential in terms of providing a greater source of income on both a local and a national level for the Brazilian economy. In exploring various economic, political, and social factors that influence the ability of these countries to expand their ecotourism market, Costa seems to have the better position. In terms of GDP contribution relative to each country’s national economy, Costa Rica 13. 5% doubles Brazil’s 6. 2% indicating that there is significant room for growth for Brazil due to its tremendous size. Consequently, Costa Rica’s employment as well as exports are also incrementally higher at 13. 1% vs. 5. 9% and 17. 1% and 5. 9% respectively. On the other hand, Brazil has a much higher potential in terms of growth largely due to its untapped Amazon region. In terms of Real Growth, Brazil’s future looks bright. In 2008, Brazil is forecast to see Real Growth of 6. 7% in terms of Direct Industry GDP. Nominally, this represents an increase of US$36bn. With regards to Direct Industry Employment, an increase of 6. 4% is expected which means an additional 2,279,000 jobs will be generated. In contrast, Costa Rica is expected to see a Real Growth of -1. 5% in terms of Direct Industry GDP (in nominal terms US$1,466,000mn) and -3. 9% decrease in Direct Industry Employment. Brazil will be able to handle such growth but will need to have a collaborative effort nationally if they want to sustain their current growth. The government certainly plays an important role in the development of ecotourism in Brazil. They must provide the overall policy environment to permit development to proceed along an orderly path, and should welcome the involvement of other sectors. Furthermore, there is a need to teach policy makers the importance of ecotourism as a viable financial profit sanctuary so that policies reflect social and environmental concerns as well as market realities. Next, effective certification programs should be implemented to ensure adequate information of products and services is given to the public. Educating consumers and raising awareness on the importance to protect the national environment should stimulate demand for socially and environmentally friendly products that ecotourism provides. Lastly, significant improvement of Brazil’s logistic resources such as roads, electric power and infrastructure in the Amazon region will be quintessential for the sustainability of Brazil’s ecotourism industry.

Ethical Foreign Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Ethical Foreign Policy - Essay Example In addition a global discourse of human rights is emerging, which in turn, reflects in a large number of international legal instruments.2 This discourse warrants intervention where rights are being abused on a large scale and where at the same time a global opinion in favour of democracy is observed. Why This is primarily because the "in time" availability of information makes the issue more sensitive since the natural instinct of "helping" in human nature is effectively activated. In addition due to a more accessible world people and governments (representative of the people) feel themselves to be more attached with the affairs of others as they directly or indirectly affect them politically, economically or sheer as per the national morality/psyche. This essay will first clarify ethical foreign policy. It will then examine foreign policy ethics and interests. Thirdly, it wills discuses how to construct ethical foreign policies in a government. Finally it will conclude that the most important points in the study, with a recommendation for any future work. It iWhat is ethical foreign policy It is not reflective of actual practice to posit a dichotomy between, on one hand, an ethical foreign policy, and on the other, a non-ethical foreign policy.3 The growing interaction amongst nation state at international canvass has made it impossible that the action of one state is devoid of the effect on other state. This existing interconnectedness of actions of one state and the effects on the other state had made it impossible to have foreign policy which is devoid of ethical strings. However, the depth and breadth of ethical paradigms might be different for different nations. Therefore, the issues are focused on rather how governments act ethically, according to certain criteria, and how they balance competing ethical claims. The governments must be pragmatic, because they cannot formulate foreign policy from a predetermined ethical standpoint.4 The pedestal of "ethical standpoint" has to be different for every government. The reason is that the intensity or the will to follow the ethical strings/viewpoints or even formulation of those, is directly proportional to numerous factors within the government which include military/economic might and the resultant fall out on the nation, of the event taking place. Example That is exactly what happened in case of Iraq War. To have a nuclear weapon, if seen from ethical stand point of protecting one's country, was justified from Iraq's point of view. However, US saw it as a direct threat to itself in particular and world in general. This led US to adopt pre-emptive strategy. On the other hand many of the world nations were not interested in US strategy as they were viewing the issue from the "ethical stand point" of engaging and resolving issue through dialogue with Iraq. Further, the resultant expected destabilization of the region and loss of life was not thought to be ethical enough by those nations. Reality is that US did go for the war because it had the

Personal Philosophy of Teaching Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Personal Philosophy of Teaching - Essay Example Such learner-centred approach is based on active and reflective learning which is also founded on the learner’s motivation to learn. This type of learning however, needs the participation and assistance of clinician-educators working with the learners as facilitators. This paper shall discuss my personal philosophy of teaching psychiatry to junior doctors in the psychiatric work place. It will also demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning the structure of learning and supervision in the medical workplace. This essay will also articulate and justify my personal philosophy of teaching and identify potential future needs and opportunities for engagement with continuing professional development. Body In teaching psychiatry to junior doctors, I applied the student-centred approach, more specifically, the case-based learning approach. Case-based learning is a valuable tool in medicine because it involves the application of theories and skills which are eventually meant to secure important tools for the learner (Kolodner, Hmelo, and Narayanan, 2003). Case-based learning is founded on the principle of clinical cognition which, in general, seeks to assess cases and establish applicable processes for their resolution (Elstein and Schwarz, 2002). John Dewey describes the theory of clinical cognition by explaining that experiences are often critical elements which impact on the overall quality of learning and that teachers have a responsibility to ensure optimal experiences in its applications (Kassirer, 2010). In effect, he further posits that teaching experiences â€Å"should arouse curiosity, enhance personal initiative, and allow free expression of learners’ ideas† (Kassirer, 2010, p. 1118). The knowledge which a student has learned through experience in any situation therefore becomes the tool in understanding and managing other situations which may follow. I used this case-based learning because through this method, I was able to guide the junior doctors into establishing a vivid picture of their patient, to have a more tactile experience of the patient’s case, and to enable comparisons of abnormal and normal psychiatric processes. A discussion by Halbreich (1994) established that part of the processes involved in teaching psychiatry to general practitioners is based on the establishment of a curriculum which is built on the needs of the GPs. The case-based and the problem-based techniques help designate the personal skills which need to be evaluated, the knowledge of symptoms, the differential diagnosis, as well as the management tools which they can apply (Halbreich, 1994). In effect, the learning process founded on the case-based approach involves the process of teaching GPs about the essential symptoms involving psychiatric affectations (Coderre, et.al., 2003). As the learners would have a more personal evaluation of various patient cases, they are also able to establish appropriate management interventions for these cases. I found that the process of teaching junior doctors about the medical management of psychosis in wards can be adequately carried out with the application of the case-based learning. Policy and practice protocols in medical management among psychiatric patients, involves the usual elements including, history-taking, reasons for consult, prioritisation of patient needs, assessment, identification of need for specialist consult, health plan/interventions (Bowen, 2006). Case-based

Reaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reaction - Essay Example According to Dr. Audrey Young, the type of training and experiences that are taught in medical school skip basic elements that facilitate communication and understandability of the patients. The book bases its initial principles on the fact that medicine originates from the patient. The ability for a doctor to listen to the feelings and perceptions of the [patient is a step towards the healing and recovery process. However, medical school has taught doctors to have a minimum interaction with the patient. Particular emphasis is laid on disease diagnosis through research and treatment as opposed to the soothing and communicative nature doctors must possess in order to reassure their patients of a quick recovery of the various types of diseases that they may be experiencing (Young, 2009). Communication and maintain a good rapport with the patients is the foundation of medicine. Great lessons in a career such as what Dr. Audrey Young is pursuing teach the professionals to be humble and sympathetic. It also should teach them to be tolerant and brave since there are many instances that will require them to have a lion’s heart in order to deal with them. According to my evaluation of the experiences that Young passed through during her years in Medial school, I view medicine to be a calling rather than a profession (Young, 2009). It requires a great initiative by the individual to acquire knowledge about the facts of the course and knowledge on how to blend into different cultures and people’s lifestyles in pursuit to give treatment and better health care. It was therefore prudent for the curriculum of the institution to expose the students to different environments with people of various beliefs, ailments and origins. Dr. Young worked from the regions of Seattle in the United States of America, Swaziland, Pocatello and Idaho. She encountered patients with

Russias Foreign Policy towards Georgia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words

Russias Foreign Policy towards Georgia - Essay Example If we should choose just one word that would most accurately describe Russian foreign policy, it would definetely be the word "pragmatic". In April 2005 while visiting Israel, Putin was asked if Russia is attempting to regain its status of global superpower, as it was as Soviet union during the Cold war era. Putin answered in a quite evasive manner, that the expenses required by such ambition would most certainly exceed the possible benefits from acquiring such position on the world scene, and he added that Russia already is a "great country" with important influence on the countries of the North and South hemisphere. The aspiration of becoming superpower again is not even explicitly declared in the basic foreign policy document we have already mentioned. Not only does it recede from such foreign aspirations, it also lacks the term "superpower" in its provisions, as this is not being used at all. In particular, it states almost the opposite that Russia attempts to become part of the multipolar system of international relations that truly reflects the diversity of modern world and the multiplicity of interest within its policies and needs (Arbatov 311). Still, it is evident that what is Russia really trying the achieve is the status of world superpower, different from the type of superpower Soviet union once was and achieved by different means. Soviet union was the superpower based on ideological antagonism to its Cold war rival the USA, or the West in general. On the contrary, modern Russian federation is certainly not interested in polarizing the world ideologically. Putins answer he provided during his Israel visit referred to the fact, that the role of superpower in effect paradoxically contributed to the fall of Soviet empire, which had global political influence, but paid a great price for only a little political or military gains, with no allies worth and efficiently strong. Russia chose a different way of declaring such ambitions that have always been an integral and essential part of its foreign policy. The foreign policy objective currently manifested by Russia, especially after events in Georgia in summer of 2008, is to resist the hegemony of the West, especially USA and EU, and the way they use, or even abuse, their post-Cold war power in the international political system and relations. The key instrument for the erosion the the Western hegemony (as Russia understands the situation in international relations) is not the composition of a solid "pact" of the states uncompromisingly opposing the West, but rather some coalition of states based on the pragmatic and nonideological relations, primarily on economic and military ties (Bobo Lo 163). This is undoubtedly the main reason why Russia preserves a very good relations with "potential superpowers" such as China, India and Brasil. Simultaneously, Russia is building a close ties

Popular Music and the Moving Image Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Popular Music and the Moving Image - Essay Example Historically silent films are characterized by certain elements that defined them. These are Projection Speed, title cards, physical acting techniques and music and sound. In the absence of the spoken dialogue, title cards that comprised of printed or drawn frames of text inserted between the film frequencies to serve different roles. The particular types of title cards used in the silent films included dialogue and expository interties. The former were primarily used in conveying dialogue while the latter was used in providing supplemental narrative material whenever what was photographed could not express the full situation by itself. Essentially, the title cards were utilized by the filmmakers in the silent era to add more detail to the films in case the films developed into novelties that entertained a lot. Fundamentally, filmmakers were able to expand their potential to enhance on their storytelling by including some aspects of dialogue and in a way, the title cards served as na rration techniques (Marks, 1997).Another historical element of the silent films was live music and sound. Contrary to today’s films containing spoken dialogue and synched music in the background. The silent films were accompanied by a phonograph recording or live music such as a guitarist or pianist that was critical in reinforcing the mood of a movie and also provided the audience with emotional cues. The above narration explains why there were piano accompaniments in small towns plus the singers.

Menu Comparison Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Menu Comparison - Research Paper Example Digital displays menus provide digital displays of food and beverages products offered by the restaurant. Online menus utilize the website illustrations of products offered by the restaurants (Goodale 58). This menu comparison paper illustrates the similarities and differences of menus of two popular restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area. These restaurants are Saison Restaurant and Maruya restaurant. The Maruya restaurant is operated by Chefs Hide Suyeoshi and Masaki Sasaki. The chefs are both sushi chef trained in Tokyo. The operating philosophy of the chefs entails simplicity presentation of the sushi. In order to get the desired simplicity level, the chefs follow meticulous fish preparation steps. The restaurant also offers the sushi bar. The bar is modeled according to Tokyo style requirements. Maruya’s sushi bar is the most unique aspect in the entire San Francisco Bay Area. The sushi bar is made using 7 inches of the handcrafted Cyprus wood. The wine selection at the Maruya restaurant is carefully selected. Majority of wine products at the Maruya restaurant are French and Italian wines. The wines are used to compliment the fish. For customers who love sake, there are several sake products to choose from; from dry sake to full body sake. Saison restaurant sources each and every item used to make its food and beverage products, from the surrounding areas. Saison illustrates the abundant resources found in the San Francisco bay Area. Every morning, a new menu is developed according to the finest offerings from the network of farms, fisheries and ranches. Saison offers unique American style dining approach. This gives it a competitive advantage in the restaurant sector of San Francisco Bay Area. Therefore, customers get a satisfactory experience due to the unique products and services offered by the restaurant. There are several equipment and materials that are used in preparation and storage of menus. Paper menu is the

Directors responsibility Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Directors responsibility - Coursework Example Another notable aspect is that the board acts as the epicentre of the organization and it links the investors and the individuals responsible for implementing the policies that make their respective organizations tick as well as ensuring accountability. Thus, corporate governance in this case refers to â€Å"rigorous supervision of the management of a company; it means ensuring that business is done competently, with integrity and with due regard for the interests of all stakeholders,† (Institute of Directors, 2014). Simply put, the Institute of Directors (2014) also posits to the effect that corporate governance relates to a combination of the following factors: legislation, non-legislative codes, self-regulation and best practice, structure, culture, and board competency. The operations of various organizations especially in the UK are guided by the legal framework obtaining in that particular country. Such laws are designed to protect the interests of different stakeholders with an interest in a business entity. McGregor (2000) aptly suggests that that corporate governance is practiced at different levels and the law is specifically designed to protect the interests of all the stakeholders involved. Duplessis (1999) concurs with this assertion when he states that the law overrides all individual interests. In as far as Company law is concerned in UK, it can be seen that the board of AstraZeneca acted in accordance to the laws. According to Company Law Solutions Limited (n.d), â€Å"the directors have such powers as are conferred on them by the articles of the company which are especially based on the Model Articles (companies registered post 1.10.2009.† This is promulgated by the Company’s Act 2006 which further stipulates that â€Å" the business of the company shall be managed by the directors who may exercise all the powers of the company....†

Explain the role of Fillicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Lutenising Essay

Explain the role of Fillicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Lutenising Hormone, Oestrogen and Progesterone in the menstural cycle - Essay Example The reproductive system of females is quite different from males. In females the egg production is a periodic or cyclic activity (menstrual cycle) while in males the production of sperms is a continuous process and never stops after they hit puberty till the time they die. In human females the periodic reproductive menstrual cycle is controlled by certain hormones and is completed in approximately twenty eight days causing changes in structure as well as the function of the entire reproductive system. The menstrual cycle in total comprises of the ovarian cycle linked with ovaries and the uterine cycle linked with uterus. We can divide the menstrual cycle into four main phases which are: The pituitary gland naturally produces the follicle stimulating hormone which is secreted in blood. By the name we can very well guess that this follicle stimulating hormone is linked with the follicle phase. The hormone is mainly responsible for the growth of the ovarian follicle or for stimulating the development of several primary follicles and also for stimulating the ovary to produce its own hormone which is called the oestrogen from the ovarian follicles which degenerate during the initial process of follicle phase (follicle atresia) and the oestrogen then is responsible for the thickening and vascularizing of the endometrium (uterus wall) before the process of ovulation actually starts and at the same time inhibits the pituitary to stop the production of follicle stimulating hormone. In males, the follicle stimulating hormone is also plays an important role in the production of sperm by supporting steroli cells in their function.(the menstrual cycle1993; Mayo Clinic 2011; R. Bowen 2004) When the level of the follicle stimulating hormone becomes less while the level of estrogen increases the pituitary gland secretes another hormone which is

Why I Deserve the Jennifer Velasco Scholarship Essay Example for Free

Why I Deserve the Jennifer Velasco Scholarship Essay When I made the Sterling Varsity tennis team I set up a goal for myself and it was to be the number one in the team, I started playing tennis when I was a freshman and I also joined the USTA tennis association. Tennis became to be more than a passion to me it was even more than a hobby, I really enjoy spending time in the courts and listening to all my coaches giving me advice of how to get better. From my freshman year to my senior year I practiced tennis every single day of the week I could even on most weekends, I took lessons and I also volunteered to help coaching the 10 and under kids in the last summer with Coach Rene Ronquillo. I got 3rd place on my freshman district tournament and on my sophomore year got 1st place in district, I made the sterling varsity tennis team my junior year and worked really hard to be the in the top 5 of the boys ladder. In January 2011 I got the opportunity to go a whole weekend with the tennis team to Newks Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas. Which is a professional tennis academy and out of 70 players I got the scholarship for a tennis summer camp at Newks tennis ranch. At the end of the 2011 fall Team Tennis Season I was awarded as the player who made the most improvement to his overall game on the men’s team. I took advantage of the scholarship I got for the Newks Tennis Summer Camp in 2012 and came back and played all my challenge matches and made the number 1 player in the boys ladder for the 2012 fall Team Tennis Season. I was also named first team All-District for the 2012 fall season. In January 2013 I had another opportunity to go to Newks Tennis Ranch for a whole weekend with the tennis team and got the scholarship for a second time out of 74 players. Currently I’ve been playing mixed doubles and we got 1st place on our district tournament. Tennis has definitely made me a better person in life and I thank to all the people who have support me through all my 4 years of tennis in high school. I hope I can win the Jennifer Velasco scholarship because it means a lot to me and I have worked very hard to get on where I am right now and I can say that all the effort was well worth it.

Theory of Descriptions Essay Example for Free

Theory of Descriptions Essay It is a matter of fact that Russell significantly contributed the development of philosophical thinking by helping to resolve many philosophical problems. Furthermore, he offered theory of descriptions and analyzed logical structure of what people say. Theory of descriptions is the best application of the technique. Theory aims at denoting phrases in ordinary language and thus it has given rise to three sorts of difficulties: Excluded middle. It means that the traditional principle is violated by suggestions such as â€Å"either the present king of France is bald or the present king of France is not bald† Non-existence assertions. They aim at denoting phrases which have referents.Furthermore, they are saying of something, though this something doesn’t exist: â€Å"The golden mountain does not exist† Opaque Contexts. Equivalent expression can be substituted, but substitution doesn’t preserve the truth of the statement: â€Å"Alan believes that Sarahs father is Joys son† Russell emphasized that descriptions are differently signified and they don’t always suggest logically proper names. The referent is denoted directly and thus is carrying existential import, although the description is indirect denotation and has to be regarded differently. Russell suggested that denoting phrases can’t be isolated; otherwise they won’t be understood correctly. Quine eliminated the ontological implications of descritions. For example, he stated that Pegasus wasn’t actual, because it wasn’t spatiotemporal object. He admitted that though Pegasus existed in mythology, in the imagination of every child and in philosophical disputes, it was not actual as it wasn’t found in any zoo. Quine said â€Å"the notion that Pegasus must be, because it would otherwise be nonsense to say even that Pegasus is not, has been seen to lead McX into an elementary confusion†. References Russell: The Theory of Descriptions. Encyclopedia od Philosophy. Retrieved November 7, 2006, from http://philosophypages.com/ph/russ.html

History Of Homelessness In America

History Of Homelessness In America Homelessness is a social problem that relates to the condition of people without a regular private house and shelter. People passing through social issue of homelessness are most often not capable to obtain and preserve standard, harmless, protected, and satisfactory accommodation, or lack fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence. There is no standard definition of homelessness and it differs from region to region, or among different entities or institutions in the same country or region. The scope of homeless is vary vast and it also comprise people whose prime night-time dwelling is in a homeless shelter, a warming center, a domestic violence shelter, cardboard boxes or other informal housing situation. In USA people also are covered under homeless record and are included in research studies who sleep in a public or private place not intended for use as an expected sleeping place for human beings. From different researches its predicted that almost 100 million people acros s globe were homeless in 2005. In western regions and areas of world the large majority of homeless are men (75-80%) (Culhane and Associates, 2012). History of Homelessness in America: Homelessness is not a contemporary issue it is predicted that it is found in American society in the early ages of 1640. In early history the homelessness was related to moral issue and obligation and people who were homeless visit town to town to prove their worth but in recent era it is more related to a social problem. People who are homeless are facing severe issue is contemporary world related to health and social initiatives. Homelessness can be caused from several perspectives. From different researches it is depicted that the most common caused behind homelessness are industrialization, wars, natural disasters, racial inequalities, medical problems, character flaws, etc. industrial revolution started in 1820s. This gives rise to migrations of people from rural areas to urban areas that give rise to the main causes of homelessness because of job searches and earn living standard. Violent crimes also started because of this migration and sudden rise in population. The policies at that time also lead to devastating issues relating death and mental illness because of homelessness. The major rise was faced in 1850s when most parents send their young children to remain independent because of rise in cost of living, this give rise to adults homelessness. The civil wars also give rise to homelessness in 1890s most people were homeless because of several causes from the civil war destructions. Another most important cause relates back to natural disasters i.e. Earthquake, fires, and Droughts caused in 1920s and 30s. The causes give rise to poverty and thus people lack support to build their houses. The income level drops because of increased population and unemployment which also moved society towards increase rate of homeless people. The financial crisis recently gives rise to more destructive situation that leads towards enhanced homelessness problem. The contemporary homelessness can be seen in surrounding that many children, youth, and old age people are hom eless (Culhane, 2008). Causes of Homelessness: Different researches are done to find the main causes that lead to homelessness. The causes can be categorized into three areas that are personal, structural, and homeless peoples own causes. Personal Issues: There are several personal and social factors that lead to homelessness. The common factors are outlined below: Individual factors: like drug abuse, character flaws, lacking qualifications, debts, no social support, poor health regarding mental and physical conditions, peer relations of bad company. Family factors: disputes and family conflicts, physical and sexual abuse while adulthood and family background of homelessness. Institutional factors: living in foster care, as prisoner, and employed in armed forces. Structural Issues: There are several social and economic problems that cause this homelessness. Some common causes are outlined below: Unemployment Poverty Lack of affordability Policies relating housing Structure of housing benefits Wide policy development relating hospitality and criminal issues Homeless People Views: The three main reasons identified through reviewing opinions of homeless people about their reasons of leaving home are family and peers pressures to leave them, relationship disputes and violence at home, loss of temporary dwelling (Dr. Lynn et al., 2006). Problems faced by Homeless People: There are several risks that are associated with people who are passing through state of homelessness. The problems can be categorized as basic and devastating. The problems are outlined below: Lacking personal security, silence, and privacy, especially for sleeping Lacking safekeeping of bedding, clothing and possessions, which may have to be carried at all times Lacking facilities for hygiene No place for cleaning and drying clothes Lacking affordability to acquire, prepare, and store food No social contacts because of no permanent location or mailing address Antagonism and lawful authorities against metropolitan poverty. Compact admittance to health care and dental services. Little or no access to education. Increased jeopardy of affliction from violence and abuse. Common denial or intolerance from other people. Loss of accustomed relationships and association with the mainstream Lacking qualification for employment. Reduced access to banking services because of lacking collateral Reduced access to communications technology (Echenberg Jensen, 2009). Assistance and Resources for Homeless People: Many researches relating homelessness and homeless people have diverted the attention of government and other institutions to support and fund the needs of the homeless people. Many countries run the assistance programs for the homeless people and provide them with food, shelter, and clothing and sometimes most augmented services. Many non-government organizations also run support programs with help of funding from volunteers. Social support is provided by homeless people to other homeless people. They run their own community and support one another in different needs. Formal assistant is also provided through government, religious organizations, charities, other ministries. Many organizations are working to provide income support through employment opportunities like street newspapers selling. Other income sources are through employing little works like playing music, performing magic and other arts. Many homeless people commit little crimes to be jailed to have food and shelter for some days (Foweler et al., 2009). Refuges for Homeless: There are many refuges that are used by homeless people to be used as temporary place for shelter and sleep. Some common refuges are outlined below: Sleeping bags Tent Cardboard box Abandoned buildings Cars and trucks Wagons and other public vehicles Parks, pavement, and bus stations Train tunnels etc. Proposed Solutions for Homeless: Housing First / Rapid Re-housing: Many governments are taking steps to eliminate the homelessness. The USA government asked almost every state and city to enhance the standard of living of homeless people. the 10 years plans are planned and are in process to be implemented to eliminate the homelessness and one of the results of this was a Housing first solution, also known as rapid re-housing. These policies facilitate quickly to get a homeless person permanent housing of some sort and the necessary support services to maintain and hold a new home. There are many impediments of this kind of program and there must be solutions to augment these programs to make such an initiative work successfully in the middle to long term. Supportive housing: Supportive housing is a related to provide the basic necessities to the homeless people. It is the combination of housing and services proposed in a cost-effective way to facilitate and support needy people live more stable and productive lives. Supportive housing provides special programs for those who are in most challenging situations. The audiences for this program are individuals and families confronted with homelessness and who also have very low incomes. It also has increases coverage and scope and therefore incorporates substance abuse, addiction or alcoholism, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, or other serious challenges to a standard and productive life. Pedestrian Villages: Many researchers are proposed several solutions to enhance the lives of homeless people. The most common solution proposed is relating notorious national solution for homelessness that would engross building nearly carefree Pedestrian Villages. This policy and solution is termed as the current Band-Aid approach to the problem. Example of this policy is Tiger Bay Village that was proposed to create caring society for homeless people. This policy states that this program and support would be better-quality for indulgence the psychological as well as psychiatric needs of both temporarily and permanently homeless adults. This policy was based on the cost-effective solution thus aimed to provide opportunities and support and cost less than the current approach. This policy also enhanced the homeless people living by moving them away from criminal acts to take shelter in prisons. Work opportunities are also provided and constitute construction and maintenance of the villages. It also focus es on the creation of work force agencies that help to make the villages financially and socially feasible and practical. Transitional housing: Transitional Housing endows with impermanent housing for the certain audience of the homeless population. The target group constitutes of working class of homeless people who are on verge of setting up to changeover their residents into enduring and inexpensive housing. It is not a temporary shelter house for homeless but typically a room or apartment in a habitation with support services. The intermediary time can be short ranging from 1 to 2 years and in that time the person must file for and get permanent housing and usually some gainful employment or income, even if Social Security or assistance. From time to time the transitional housing habitation program incriminates a room and board fee that can be a standard percentage of an individuals income. This fee is sometimes partially or fully refunded after the person acquires a permanent place to live in. In the USA centralized financial support for transitional housing programs was originally allocated in the McKinney act (Cohelen , 1997). Conclusions: The above study is based on the research work of other authors. The report started with the introduction to the homelessness relative to its broad meanings and is then proceed to the history, causes and underlying factors. The solutions are also provided to help states and countries to make remediation for the enhanced livings of homeless people and move them to productive life. The problem of homelessness is traced back to late history and is not a contemporary issue. There are several factors and underlying causes of homelessness out of which family conflicts and disruptions are rated as high. The issues that are faced by homeless people vary in range from more basic lacking facilities to higher levels of physical and mental destructions and illness. Many organizations along with governments are working to provide facilities and support the homeless people. Many volunteers are also working to augment the lives of homeless people by proving them with food, shelter, and clothing along with health facilities. Many support programs are also planned to support and facilitate the homeless people. Some common programs processed are housing fund and re-housing, transition housing support, and pedestrian villages.

Free Essays - Chronicle of a Death Foretold :: Chronicle Death Foretold Essays

The Understanding of Characters Through Relationships Relationships create strong holds in novels. They give a sense of what to base a character's acts and decision's on. Through how the author uses their tone and descriptions, relating to relationships, a sense of characterization can be developed. "Anna Karenina", by Leo Tolstoy, translated by Joel Carmichael, and "Chronicle of a Death Foretold", by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, translated by Gregory Rabassa, are no exception to this clause. Relationships form throughout these novels, by incorporating literary elements like characterization romanticism and realism, giving characters a sense of who they are, and the reader a sense of their role and reference to the story. In "Anna Karenina", relationships are built throughout the story helping for the reader to understand characters and who they are. One of the two major relationships taking place in the novel is between Anna Karenina and Levin. Anna Karenina, arguably the most important character to the novel, gets many of her key traits brought forth by relationship problems. Anna's search through her quest for love is purely emotional, and at the end of her character's life Anna's reason fails her. She has too much feeling and emotion, a trait shared by many of Tolstoy's characters. Her feeling from her relationship tend to overpower her thoughts and opinions, giving the novel a sense of romanticism. She becomes disgruntle. In the end, Anna can't hold her own wits. Tolstoy uses characterization to present Anna, through the relationships she has it can be understood her attitude and personal qualities. Levin, one of the main partners in a relationship with Anna, is the hero of Anna Karenina. Through Tolstoy's tone and description in the interaction between Anna and Levin it is almost gathered that Levin was created to merely point out his superiority, and his relationships with Anna does directly that. Where Anna continually maneuvers hysterically to achieve the perfect romance, Levin strives to find coherence in life and death, love and work. This can be discovered through the characterization directed towards Levin. Anna becomes a portrait of alienation through this relationship. Levin finds harmony with those around him. In Anna, you find a moral collapse, while in Levin, you see Tolstoy's hopes and joys of his future. Anna and Levin show a variation of character traits brought forth from their relationship. The second great relationship taking place forms between Vronsky and Kitty.

Free Essays - Role Playing in A Farewell to Arms :: Farewell Arms Essays

Role Playing in A Farewell to Arms In Hemingway's novel, A Farewell to Arms, the principle characters, Henry and Catherine, are forced by the war to face the fact of human mortality. As a defense mechanism, the two main characters, and several others, turn to "role-playing" as a way to escape reality. Hemingway utilized role-playing as a way to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the characters. By placing Henry's ordered life in opposition to Catherine's topsy-turvy one, and then letting each one assume a role which will bring them closer together, Hemingway shows the pair's inability to accept their own mortality. John Stubbs' has written an essay that examines the "role-playing" that Henry and Catherine use to protect themselves from the discovery of their insignificance and "powerlessness...in a world indifferent to their well being..." Stubbs begins by showing other examples, notably in In Our Time and The Sun Also Rises, in which Hemingway's characters revert to role-playing in order to escape or retreat from their lives. The ability to create characters who play roles, he says, either to "maintain self-esteem" or to escape, is one Hemingway exploits extraordinarily well in A Farewell to Arms and therefore it "is his richest and most successful handling of human beings trying to come to terms with their vulnerability." As far as Stubbs is concerned, Hemingway is quite blatant in letting us know that role-playing is what is occurring. He tells that the role-playing begins during Henry and Catherine's third encounter, when Catherine directly dictates what is spoken by Henry. After this meeting the two become increasingly comfortable with their roles and easily adopt them whenever the other is nearby. This is apparent also in that they can only successfully play their roles when they are in private and any disturbance causes the "game" to be disrupted. The intrusion of the outside world in any form makes their role-playing impossible, as evidenced at the race track in Milan, where they must be alone. The people surrounding them make Catherine feel uncomfortable and Henry has to take her away from the crowd. He goes on to describe how it is impossible for them to play the roles when they are apart and how they therefore become more dependent upon each other's company. Stubbs goes on to explain how, "neither mistakes role-playing for a truly intimate relationship, but both recognize that it can be a useful device for satisfying certain emotional needs.

Ethics of the Student and Professor Relationship Essay -- Ethics

When discussing the importance of professional boundaries in mental health work, most people think first of relationships between psychotherapists and clients. However, similar boundary considerations are relevant for professor–student relationships, supervisor–supervisee relationships, consultant–consultee relationships, and researcher–participant relationships. Although different dynamics are at play, the relationships psychologists have with each other, with other professionals, and with the general public have boundaries that warrant ethical consideration as well. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers some guidance. The APA Ethics Code says, in Standard 7.07: "Psychologists do not engage in sexual relationships with students or supervisees who are in their department, agency, or training center or over whom psychologists have or are likely to have evaluative authority" (2010). This seems to preclude dating during the semester, and perh aps afterwards if there is a likelihood of an ongoing interaction (Handelsman, 2011). For example, what if a student needs a letter of recommendation for a job and would like the professor they are seeing socially outside of the classroom setting to write it? Although the code is silent regarding social relationships and sharing feelings, we have a little bit of help from other sources of guidance such as institutional guidelines and moral codes; some colleges and universities have rules about professors dating students (Handelsman, 2011). It is common for adults working in corporate or professional settings to be briefed on the law and/or policy on sexual contact and romantic relationships in the workplace (Barbella, 2010). In a school setting, at least at the secondary level... .... ‘‘Ultimately what guides everything is that the student should respect the professor and the professor should respect the student,’’ stated President Williams; ‘‘that is the way it is in life anyhow’’ (Barbella, 2010). Works Cited Barbella, L. (2010). Sexuality & Culture. An Interdisciplinary Quarterly, Vol 14(1), pp. 44-48. Handelsman, M.M. (2011, May 28). Social and Sexual Scenarios With Students: What Would You Do? Professors Dating Students: Sensitive, Stupid, or Sleazy? [Web Blog Comment]. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-ethical-professor/201105/social-and-sexual-scenarios-students-what-would-you-do Knapp, S.J. (Ed.); Gottlieb, M.C. (Ed.); Handelsman, M.M. (Ed.); VandeCreek, L.D. (Ed.). (2012). APA handbook of ethics in psychology, Vol 1: Moral foundations and common themes. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association

What Continues to Make Othello Worthy of Study

William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, ‘Othello’ written in approximately 1603, continues to be studied and appreciated even now in modern society, more than four hundred years after it was written. Apart from the obviousness of Shakespeare’s ability to use diction to draw in the audience, ‘Othello’ has many qualities which allow it to be interpreted and re-interpreted through time. It can relate to any audience and context because its varied themes, values and ideas, remain relevant to all societies making it possible for anyone to relate to ‘Othello’ on some level. This, along with Shakespeare’s depiction of common human emotions, and his ability to portray these in such a realistic manner continues to make ‘Othello’ worthy of critical study. The universality of Shakespeare’s themes are evident not only in ‘Othello’ but in almost all of his works. The most apparent theme in the text is that of jealousy. Iago importantly warns, ‘O, beware, my lord, of Jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on’ (act 3, scene 3). This warning is directed at Othello, but is also important for Roderigo and Iago himself. Although Iago could be called one of the most diabolical antagonist/villains in literature, his actions are spurred by such common human emotions; jealousy and greed. Jealousy acts as a great literary device in the text because it is an extremely universal emotion which almost all living creatures are capable of feeling, and this gives the audience an emotional attachment to the characters and plot. It allows the audience to feel sympathy for the characters. Othello’ plays with the jealous nature of the characters, such as Iago’s envy of power and position, along with his suspicions about his wife. These things encourage the plot, and initiate the series of events to unfold during the text. Through Iago, Shakespeare conveys the lengths to which a man will go to achieve his objective. Iago’s manipulativeness causes Othello to become a victim of unfounded jealousy, and this drives the entire plot. Furthermore, Iago’s hatred and jealousy is fueled by his racism. The audience is constantly reminded of Othello’s colouring through the character’s dialogue, motives and actions. Shakespeare creates vulgar visual imagery with the metaphor, â€Å"Very now, an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe. † (act 1, scene 1) . Unfortunately, racism and prejudice are common throughout history as minorities and groups are deemed lower than others, and this continues still to this day. Division and stereotyping of groups due to race, sex, sexuality and ability have existed through the ages, and unfortunately will continue to exist. Another discernible theme in ‘Othello’ is love. This emotion too is universal emotion, and the impulsiveness and compulsion to disobey family that love can generate is shown through Desdemona’s willingness to deliberately disobey her father in order to secretly marry Othello. Romance today is one of the most popular literary genres, and can be enjoyed by all ages, in all societies. Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ has been adapted to suit modern society such as in the film ‘O’, and interpreted in different media, including dramatical performances, opera, ballet, television shows and films. All of these provide different interpretations of the text and demonstrate the adaptability of ‘Othello’. Shakespeare’s poetic and beautiful language and his use of themes such as love, power, revenge, war and jealousy are timeless. His depiction of human ideas and paths of action are also timeless, as humans basic senses will remain the same. These factors, compounded with Shakespeare’s ability to continually challenge oncoming generations, both in the literature and dramatical sense, make ‘Othello’ timeless and worthy to continue to be studied in modern society and after.

Life is a Gift Essay

action is a gift. It is an honor a firing off an excitement. We all lose a mankind of our take. A wise author, Albert Camus, once stated, you provide neer be happy if you anticipate to search for what happiness consists of. You will never resilient if you be expression for the nitty-gritty of manners (Albert Camus). Life is almost supporting to your beatest abilities why waste our era looking for the importation of separately breath we restitution? Each person is a recess of invigoration. Each sustenance has a adult male of its own. I believe that the marrow of smell, outlined by Victor E.Frankl, is to find meat in our own support. Each and all(prenominal) person on this planet has a pith to his own life, and is a ridiculous and independent single. And so, the question answers on, Who am I? The reply is I. I am who I am, and not singleness person go off ever change that. My life is extremely meaningful, and is made up of a series of rituals, e xperiences, a plentiful amount of mistakes, and some various emotions. According to the article, The Rite of Passage, a ritual helps us understand the changes in our spankings and give meaning to experiences we undergo.Rituals express who we are today, as well as the uniting total of our actions, feelings, and thoughts that give births all(prenominal) person in this public, a single, individual person. An fount of a major ritual and life-changing correctt in the Odyssey is the trial of the bow. During this scene, a disguised Odysseus surpassed a difficult task, as he without drive strung the challenging bow. Odysseus, after put the arrow on the arch, shot the justly bow with careful aim, not missing an axes ring from first to ultimately (Homer 2011).This scene makes a change in not only Odysseuss life, however also his son, Telemachus, and his wife, Penelope. The trial of the bow is an authoritative Rite of Passage, offering signifi basince to for from each one one on e of their lives. expert like Odysseus, I control progressed through a legion(predicate) amount of rituals, a ache with experiences, mistakes, truths and actions, all spark advance up to the fourteen year experient girl I am today. Although each person has a antithetical smell on what surrounds us, I believe the record of the universe is full of the unknown. The world is a scary place to be in, it encloses us in, with nothing entirely mystery.It is a terrorisation thing, to move on with your life not knowing what will happen in the next few moments, but that is what life is all about the unknown. We surround ourselves with questions that can never be answered yet we contain to learn to live life in the present, not thinking about the eon to come with every step we take. No one in this world is fearless, in fact, harmonise to H. L. Mencken, The one permanent emotion of the subscript man is fear fear of the unknown, the complex, the inexplicable. What he wants above ever ything else is beneficialty (H.L. Mencken). In proportionateness to Mencken, nothing in this world is safe we waste seconds minutes hours even considerable date worrying about our fears. Worrying about our fears of the unknown. I believe we cant relate to this unknown universe, however, we can live with it. Instead of waking up each day wondering what the unknown is, we sine qua non to wake up quotidian focus on what we do know, and interpreting that education into what we understand. In secernate to find the meaning in our lives, we each take a itinerary witness all oer our lives. I visualize my life one hundred percent.I make me own decisions, choose my individual actions, and realise my responses. We hasten complete control everyplace our own lives. However, the one think we do not have control over is other peoples actions and decisions. Although we have the power in our individual lives, others whitethorn enchant our judgments, choices, and conclusions. All of these factors affect whom we are, along with the fact that we cant control others reactions, which may cause poor influence on us. For example, in the novel, The Odyssey, Odysseus sails a long journey home, facing many distractions, challenges, and adventures.He encounters many distinguishable monsters that stop him in his path, including Cyclops, The Sirens, and Posei gull. Although Odysseus can control his actions, and the way he fights, he has a weakness when it comes to his opponents. Just like Odysseus, we can control our actions and responses, but when it comes to having others involves, we have no control over how they can act and make their choices. aliveness life freely, with no regrets, and accomplishing all of our goals. That is a solid life. Taking risks, without worrying, loving ourselves, creation happy with our achievements, and experiencing all different emotionsis what life is all about. A variety of different feelings occur throughout our lives we need happine ss, excitement, fears, anger, and even tears to lead a fulfilling life. In the independent reading novel, entitled deal Melinda Sordino writes about emotions and feelings, When people dont express themselves, they die one piece at a mea undisputable (Anderson 58). Melinda believes the reasons people need to express themselves is because everyone needs to experience all kinds of emotions in auberge to interact and stay alive.In the Odyssey, both(prenominal) Odysseus and Telemachus are involved by an fire amount of emotions. Without the emphasis of their feelings without the novel, the story would have much less meaning and would not be as dramatic. Emotions add to our everyday conversations and feelings towards each other. We need them to live a satisfying, enjoyable life. I believe, in order to find the meaning of my life, I need to sit back, relax, and let the question answer itself. In order to survive, and live for as long as possible, I have to enjoy my life in the present . non be thinking about the future, and where life is going to take me but live life as it is brought to me, rather thence bringing myself to my life. By being patient and letting my life come to me as time goes on, I am convinced(predicate) to survive for a longer, happier, and more elicit period of time. Yet, at the conclusion to each persons life, the certainty of conclusion must strike. Getting ourselves ready for this freakish day is very easy, as long as weve accomplished everything that we have launch out to achieve, ending may turn up whenever it feels the need to.It is a misfortunate thing, though, as some deaths develop so quick and suddenly, we do not have time to say our goodbyes. Nor do the victims have time to achieve their goals, and pass on wishes. An example of a sudden death is in the novel entitles Lost for Words, by Alice Kuipers. In the story, Sophies older sister died traumatically in a sudden train bombing. out-of-pocket to the death, it ripped Sophi es family apart. They stopped talking to each other, and everything became awkward between her and her mother.Because of the unpredictable death at such a raw age, her sister was, sorrowfully, not ready for her time to come. She may have not achieved her goals in life, and got to take as many risks as life leads her too, making it an even big tragedy for Sophie and her family. There were a digit of dreadful deaths in the Odyssey as well. These include Odysseus crew, Odysseus mother, and many suitors. From reading all of these portentous scenes and stories about death, I have larn that in order to reconcile myself for the inevitableness of death, I need to start aliment my life with many risks, and no regrets.By living my life without any doubts, and enjoying my life in the present, I can be sure to live a long, satisfying life, ready for the fate of death for whenever it decides to denominate on me. I believe the meaning of life, is to find meaning in our own, individual liv es. By waiting for life to come to me, and enjoying the present in a way of happiness, enjoyment, and risks, I can be sure to eventually come to a full understanding of why I am here, living today. Each life has a world of its own, and each person his own life. Each person in this world will have a different story to share, and a different meaning and impact on our world today.